CREO

Program Overview​

​Many students here in Santa Cruz County find the school subjects of Math and Science unpleasant. The unattractive quality of numbers and confusing nature of science has deterred our students from accepting them as an essential part to a prosperous education. Our students are succumbing to the idea that baring minimal knowledge about these subjects is enough. But, in reality the subjects of Math and Science can lead to beneficial knowledge that may contribute to an array of professional opportunities in any student’s future. Furthermore, the Career Readiness & Educational Opportunities (C.R.E.O.) project has developed a new scheme for the pedagogy of Math and Science in our schools. And with this new pedagogy we will provide students with a different and much more exciting façade to enhance the student experience in regards to Math and Science.
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​Additionally, the C.R.E.O. project has made it possible for our education system to provide a new math and science course for high school students known as,MetroMatematicas or MetroMathematics. The MetroMathematics course utilizes a refreshing way of learning and thinking that focuses onvisualization. By enticing students to visualize each step of a Mathematical problem, the door of understanding begins to open for them. Comparably, MetroMatematicas also takes science to a new level of comprehension for students. By presenting theoretical science with illustrations and other visual mechanisms, students forget about the complexities and find a deeper understanding of the subject. In effect, programs such as, MetroMatematicas, cuts through the negative illusion of math and science by initiating a more active teaching strategy for students.

​However, providing students with a fresh learning opportunity is only one of many educational battles fought by educators to eventually win the “War of Educational Success”. Thus, C.R.E.O. has whiplashed the old-school ideology of teaching to absorb and is now fostering a multi-faceted approach that also includes forming a professional identity for students. By going a step further with our students and understanding their career aspirations, we will put students on the path to success. Thus, becoming an academically successful student will no longer be an individual journey. Rather, instructors will collaborate with students to establish an academically flourished framework to match a canvas full of opportunity.

C.R.E.O.’s MetroMatematicas and other prospect programs harness a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) curriculum that revolves around possible post-secondary education and career opportunities for students. Furthermore, providing information to students regarding future educational possibilities will lead to a higher ceiling. Information is power and power is having the confidence to achieve. This program will boost each student's personal investment in academia and will also enable our educators to become role-models that serve essentially as catalysts to each student’s future. Thus, with the initiation of the C.R.E.O. project, students are being exploited to future opportunities while also triggering educational success.

C.R.E.O.'s Objectives & Principals

Help our students establish a career identity, be academically prepared, resilient, perseverant, and have a career plan to follow.

Efficiently and effectively teach students about geometry, trigonometry, algebra, statistics, and probability.

Successfully have students work together and present their results as a unified team.

Learn and apply math material to real-world settings in order to increase student comprehension.

Provide students with extracurricular opportunities such as field trips to relative companies and colleges.

S.T.E.M. - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

​Science follows us wherever we go. From the electricity that we use, to the coffee machines we operate in the morning, to the friction and force that we exert on Earth as we walk to our destination. And, because science is so universal, scientists have established differentiated venues for its vast array of relativity including; behavioral science, biological science, chemistry, astronomy, zoology, etc. But, most of us fail to recognize that most things we use on a daily basis like our cars, the lighting fixtures in our houses, and the computers we take advantage of wouldn’t be possible without science. Living in a fast-paced society deters us from understanding the importance of science and its real-life applications. Thus, the Metromatematicas program in association with C.R.E.O. gives young students an opportunity to establish a relationship with science by harnessing a curriculum that revolves around S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).​​​Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are naturally intimidating subjects for students but they shouldn’t be. Furthermore, the Metromatematicas program purposely utilizes a fun, outgoing, and hands-on approach to annihilate the fear and intimidation that students have when it comes to science, technology, engineering, and math. Thus, it is one of our goals to introduce a new perspective for students to adopt when interacting with S.T.E.M. related subjects. In order to create a positive and exciting learning environment for students, MetroMatematicas strategically diverts from the usual classroom method that relies heavily on active participation from students. ​​​
The program focuses on the learning capabilities and enthusiasm of students to help them understand various S.T.E.M. subjects. In addition, it prepares each participating student for post-secondary educational success and establishes a student identity relative to a variety of professions that have science-related areas. Building a professional identity for each student motivates them to further their education while simultaneously helping them pursue their professional intuition. It is essentially our mission to galvanize the inception of a dream and help each student triumph through educational obstacles to reach the goal of a prosperous career.

History of Metromatematicas/MetroMathematics

​In 2009, Nahum Correa launched an innovative program to establish a new learning opportunity for students in Math and Science known as, MetroMatematicas or MetroMathematics. Mr. Correa originally implemented the Metromatematicas course for his students in Guaymas and Empalme, Mexico. Student achievement scores for Math and Science in Guaymas and Empalme were declining so he subsequently decided to create a new and innovative program now known as, MetroMatematicas. With a more hands-on approach to Math and Science, students were able to grasp new concepts with greater ease than ever before. Through the use of scientific microscopes and mathematical objects the student learning environment reached new heights. With a different teaching ideology similar to other C.R.E.O. programs, MetroMatematicas utilized active participation instead of focusing on theoretical discussion to ensure that no child was left behind in the classroom.​​​Theoretical learning for students is best with a well-defined course structure but the vast nature of Math and Science may be better understood with a C.R.E.O. inspired approach exemplified in Metromatematicas. The astonishing success rate of MetroMathematics was a product of the untraditional and innovative model for teaching S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, engineering, Mathematics). Students became more cognizant of different concepts and assisted other students through the utilization of a lab-type environment. Additionally, in the summer of 2015 the Santa Cruz County Superintendent’s Office offered its first Metromatematicas summer program to high school students. The experience was academically profitable and provided students with a new perspective for Math & Science.​​​
Furthermore, inception of this influential and productive Metromatematicas program started with one man’s determination. And now, Mr. Nahum Correa’s dream of helping students comprehend Math & Science in Mexico has transformed into an international platform for student success. Traditionally, academic programs accrue moderate success rates or may show positive results but the MetroMathematics program has proven to be a keystone for future education. In fact, the association between MetroMatematicas and the C.R.E.O. project provoked the construction of a new lab in Nogales High School, Rio Rico High School, and the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College. The addition of these modern labs has added to the availability of MetroMathematic opportunities and assisted in the adoption of an advanced math curriculum that enables students to take advantage of new courses at each school. With an innovative model for teaching Mathematics and an enhanced curriculum, students will conform to the new standards set by the state in 2010. Moreover, beginning this 2016 school year, the MetroMatematicas course will graduate from solely being a summer institution and will enter the scholastic arena. Furthermore, MetroMathematics will be held as an honors level elective course at participating schools and will also exist as an after-school program made available for students to over-exceed and further pursue their professional dreams.